| 1. |  |
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Anthony Davis 6-10 222 PF Kentucky Fr. | Davis gives the Hornets and their new ownership a face of the franchise and optimism for the future. He oozes upside and while he may not be an immediate star at the NBA level, many talent evaluators see a potential superstar in the making. His jaw dropping physical attributes combined with a high motor should allow him to overcome a lack of physical strength. If there is a "savior" in this draft, odds are it's Davis. With the improvement that he showed offensively, he left little doubt about who the top prospect in this year's draft was. Davis impacts the game on both ends with his length and energy. He oozes potential with his long, wiry, underdeveloped body combined with his speed and athleticism. His shot shows excellent form and his post skills are showing improvement. He still needs to bulk up, but he plays tough regardless. Davis has an almost unfair combination of length, reflexes and intensity. He should become a defensive enforcer at the NBA level and if he can bulk up and develop a post game, the sky is the limit. NBA Comparison: Kevin Garnett |
| 2. |  |
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Bradley Beal 6-4 202 SG Florida Fr. | Odds are that Charlotte trades down a team like Cleveland moves up to 2 for Beal. If Charlotte keeps the pick, they will likely take Thomas Robinson. The hype around Beal is pretty phenomenal considering he never really broke out into a star on the college level. He has been compared to Eric Gordon but lacks the strength and explosiveness that the former Hoosier showed in high school and college. But the 6-foot-4 off guard has a more well rounded game. More than just a spot-up threat, Beal can change directions, pull back and shoot off the dribble. He's also an excellent passer for a 2-guard. He's a solid ball handler but not the type that can break defenders down the create scoring opportunities. At times, he struggles to create shots and his shooting numbers were somewhat inconsistent. But Beal really turned things up at the end of the season and has been very impressive on the individual workout circuit. NBA Comparison: Eric Gordon |
| 3. |  |
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Michael Kidd Gilchrist 6-7 233 SF Kentucky Fr. | The Wizards would love to add Beal but if they aren't able to get him, will likely settle for MKG. Kidd-Gilchrist was as good as any college player in the nation last year (including Davis). But he may get drafted too high and the expectations will be difficult for him to fulfill. He lacks tremendous upside due to his offensive shortcomings with mechanical kinks in his shot. He shot below 20% from the field on jumpshots. A strong 6'7 forward with substantial length (7-foot wingspan) and athleticism, Gilchrist projects as a shutdown defender at the 3 position. He may not be your most adept shot-creator, but nobody plays with a higher motor. With strong character and a team-first mentality, NBA coaches will love what this kid brings to the table. MKG proved all year that he never takes a play off. NBA Comparison: Gerald Wallace |
| 4. |  |
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Thomas Robinson 6-9 244 SF/PF Kansas Jr. | Robinson doesn't make sense to Cleveland but we feel that a trade is likely here with Charlotte moving back and adding the 24th pick. The Jayhawk standout really impressed scouts this season with his added face the basket skills. Robinson also measured well at 6'9 in shoes and with a huge (7'3) wingspan. The junior played with great energy all season, and there is no questioning his heart. Robinson is a big that a team will be able to select and be sure he will give them everything he has. Just how much potential Robinson has is what scouts question. NBA Comparison: David West |
| 5. |  |
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Andre Drummond 6-11 279 PF/C UConn Fr. | Sacramento doesn't have a need for a center with DeMarcus Cousins, but there's a good chance another team (like Houston) moves up for Drummond. Andre is the biggest boom or bust pick in the entire draft. He has incredible talent, but questionable focus and passion for the game. An absolute physical specimen, there isn't a prospect on the high school/college level even close to matching his physical attributes (strength/athleticism). The risk potential is high as he could turn into a bust, as his passion for the game has been questioned and he didn't put up monster stats as a freshman. An absolute physical specimen with incredible mobility and athleticism for a player his size. At 6-foot-11 270 lbs, Drummond was said to be the fastest player on the UConn team. Unfortunately his motor runs hot and cold, and his body language is not great leaving many wondering whether he will live up to his vast potential. NBA Comparison: Amar'e Stoudemire |
| 6. |  |
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Damian Lillard 6-3 189 PG Weber St. Jr. | After "having he best workout in Portland since Kevin Durant", he appears to be locked in at the 6th pick. Lillard is the top PG available this year and would be an excellent addition along with #1 pick Anthony Davis. While his point guard abilities are debatable, Lillard is a tremendous athlete with size and a wet jumpshot. He's a late bloomer who has a work ethic that many high profile prospects are lacking. Right now a better scorer than distributor, but shows a good feel for the game and makes good decisions. NBA Comparison: Jay Williams |
| 7. |  |
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Harrison Barnes 6-8 228 SF UNC So. | If Drummond falls to them, he's a possibility as well as Dion Waiters. The Warriors would fee incredibly lucky to have Barnes slip to them, but it probably only happens if a couple of trades take place in front of them. Barnes is a solid individual, and while he may lack great leadership abilities he is definitely a team player. After Davis, Barnes might be the surest bet in the entire draft class. With good size and a high, clean release on his jumper, Barnes should excel at the next level in catch and shoot situations. He also surprised with his athleticism numbers. His high basketball IQ and strong character make him a GM's wet dream, and a potential cornerstone at the small forward position for all of his suitors. NBA Comparison: Glen Rice |
| 8. |  |
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Austin Rivers 6-5 203 PG/SG Duke Fr. | Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo is focused on taking a SG here with Rivers, Waiters and Lamb all in the mix. Rivers is a combo who some teams might envision playing the point, but probably will be more effective as a 2. He measured well at 6'5 and is such an intense competitor and cerebral decision maker that it's difficult to imagine him becoming a bust. His ISO ability is his bread and butter as he's nearly impossible to stay in front of. He will also excel in pick and roll situations and is tremendous at splitting double teams with his yo-yo handle. On top of that, he's a gym rat that will outwork the competition. If he can develop into a PG, he could be a steal. NBA Comparison OJ Mayo |
| 9. |  |
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John Henson 6-10 216 PF UNC Jr. | It's possible Dumars will opt for a center like Leonard or Zeller here, but the logic is that they would like to pair a shot blocking 4 with Monroe playing the 5. Henson showed a lot of improvement between his sophomore and junior seasons. His length and energy make him a disruptive presence on the defensive end of the floor, and a solid rebounder despite lacking great strength. If he can bulk up (BIG IF), it will help his ability to play inside at the next level considerably. Despite all the positives, it's difficult to know whether he can become more then an energy player that brings rebounding and defense. Henson could go as high as 9 to Detroit, or fall into the late teens. NBA Comparison: Samuel Dalembert |
| 10. | |
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Jeremy Lamb 6-5 179 SG/SF UConn So. | If Rivers is here he's likely the pick, but New Orleans is said to be extremely high on Lamb as well with Waiters another possibility. UConn faded, barely making the tourney and bowing out in the first round. How much of the blame should be placed on Lamb depends on who you ask. He has more potential than Bradley Beal, but his disappearing act has left his stock in doubt. Lamb was unable to take over (for Kemba Walker) as the team's much needed vocal leader. But many are quick to forget that Lamb was as instrumental in last year's tournament run as Kemba. He needs to get tougher both mentally and physically as he avoids contact and can be thrown off his game by bigger, stronger opponents that get physical with him. He remains one of the most intriguing prospects in this year's draft, but his lack of consistency, vocal leadership and assertiveness has dropped his stock some. NBA Comparison: Reggie Miller |
| 11. | |
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Tyler Zeller 7-0 247 PF/C North Carolina Sr. | Zeller and Leonard are both possibilities here, but new Blazers GM Neil Olshey knows that owner Paul Allen will not put up with losing for long so after grabbing a young PG at 6, taking the more NBA ready Zeller probably makes more sense. Though Tyler has had injury concerns, he runs the floor exceptionally well. Zeller has a nice package of size and skills. He runs the floor exceptionally well for a 7-footer. While he lacks great upside, he has solid offensive polish, a good feel for the game and gets strong reviews from NBA scouts. NBA Comparison: PJ Brown |
| 12. |  |
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Dion Waiters 6-4 221 SG Syracuse So. | What are the odds that Houston is actually making this pick by the time this selection comes up? Waiters is rumored to have a promise after shutting down workouts, and Phoenix has long been the rumored team, but Houston, or another team moving back, could grab him here at 12. Some scouts have fallen in love his strength, aggressiveness and ability to create offense off the dribble, while other see a player lacking a true position. Coming off the bench for Syracuse, Waiters proved to be a dynamic, instant offense type of player. Waiters is a little undersized at 6'4 and lacks point guard skills, but is able to overpower opponents with his sheer strength. He's very good in the open floor with tremendous finishing ability and is an intriguing go-to scorer. NBA Comparison: Ben Gordon |
| 13. |  |
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Arnett Moultrie 6-11 233 PF Miss St. Jr. | Moultrie met with team owners on Wednesday after coming in for a second workout so there is obviously a lot of interest. One of the most athletic bigs in the country, Moultrie is a force on the glass and scores in a variety of ways. He can even step out and bury college three pointers. With great length and agility, Moultrie is an intriguing option for teams looking for size and athleticism. The two big complaints about him are his attitude and lack of strength. His intensity level is not always great, particularly on the defensive end. He also seems to be under 230 lbs, but appears to have the frame to add weight once he gets with NBA trainers. Both Terrence Jones and Perry Jones are sure to get looks here as well. NBA Comparison: Jordan Hill |
| 14. |  |
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Terrence Ross 6-7 197 SG Washington So. | After adding Samuel Dalembert Terrence is a talent with a legitimate chance to be the top wing prospect from this year's draft class. He's had tremendous workouts, and received an invite for the green room indicating that he's a likely top 15 selection. Ross is dangerous from outside, where he sports a clean release and sweet rhythm in catch and shoot opportunities. A smooth wing with NBA athleticism, Ross does an excellent job at stretching the floor by recognizing and occupying open space. He also shows a nice ability to pull up for mid-range shots. Ross' strong finish to the season only helps his cause. NBA Comparison: Eddie Jones |
| 15. |  |
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Meyers Leonard 7-1 250 C Illinois So. | The Sixers are sitting in a great spot with the first non-lottery pick after making a deep run in the playoffs. They are in a position to add a quality player with solid depth in this year's draft. They went big with Nikola Vucevic last year and could look to bolster their frontcourt once again with a player like Moultrie. After moving back, the Bucks would love to see a bigman with excellent potential like Meyers Leonard fall to them. He lacks the NBA readiness and polish of someone like Tyler Zeller, but without question he has more upside. Leonard is one the draft's biggest boom or bust players. And there's a real chance he will end up realizing his potential in his second contact, with his second team. Despite Illinois' collapse, Leonard remains a highly sought after prospect. He's a fluid bigman with great size and ability to add strength. He's still a work in progress and would have benefited from another year of development in college, but his upside is enough where he has a great chance of being selected in the late lottery based on his upside. His jump in production from his FR to SO years was tremendous. NBA Comparison: Robin Lopez |
| 16. | |
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Moe Harkless 6-8 207 SF St. John's Fr. | This pick could very easily be made by another team and there's a good chance it's by a team that has moved back. Moe is not expected to have an immediate impact, but could ultimately end up one of the top 10 players from this draft class. Harkless is a raw forward but had a tremendous freshman season. His length and fluidity remind some of Paul George, although he can;t shoot it like the current Pacer. He has a 7-2 wingspan and runs the floor like a gazelle. If he can and tighten up his jumper and handle plus develop better ISO skills, he could be a handful. He has late lottery potential just based on his upside. NBA Comparison: Paul George |
| 17. |  |
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Perry Jones 6-11 234 SF/PF Baylor So. | Jones could potentially blend well with Dirk Nowitzki as an athletic combo forward. According to scouts, Jones could be one of the draft's real sliders on draft night. There are major concerns that Jones won't realize his vast potential. On highlights alone, you would think he is a future perennial All Star. He's got size, speed, athleticism, and the ability to shoot. But he always leaves you wanting more, never seeming able to play up to his abilities when it matters most. And his inability to fit a true position is another cause for concern. His sophomore statistics look eerily similar to his freshman numbers. Jones has jaw dropping physical attributes, but seems to have a hard time flipping the switch from his nice guy off court persona. NBA Comparison: Tim Thomas |
| 18. | |
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Marquis Teague 6-2 180 PG Kentucky Fr. | We hear that Houston is targeting Teague, although they may not ultimately own this pick. He is likely to end up somewhere in the 18-25 range. Teague struggled as a floor general at times at UK, he came through when it matter with a solid tourney showing. Teague drew criticism from UK Nation after a rough start to the year. But his play in the tournament helped erase that some and has him back in the first round picture. He has ideal physical tools for a point guard, possessing size, quickness and explosiveness along with a "ball on a string" handle. His blinding first step makes him extremely difficult to stay in front of. NBA Comparison: Jeff Teague |
| 19. |  |
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Andrew Nicholson 6-10 234 PF St. Bonnaventure Sr. | Orlando is very high on Nicholson but could also opt for Jared Sullinger here. Nicholson is a late bloomer with a lot of upside left, despite being a senior. He came on late in the season leading the Bonnie's to a surprise NCAA bid. He's a bright kid, and high character guy who despite looking robotic running the floor has good athleticism and a developing skill set. The Canadian's huge hands and long arms make him a load on the block for opposing bigmen. With strong workouts should solidify a place in the mid/late first round. NBA Comparison: Craig Brackins |
| 20. |  |
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Kendall Marshall 6-4 198 PG North Carolina So. | The Nuggets will likely let Andre Miller go in free agency and would love to see Marshall fall to them. He is possibly the best passer college basketball has seen since Jason Kidd. Marshall's ability to find teammates and create shots for them is special. He also has a tremendous feel for the game and has the type of natural point guard instincts that just can't be learned. Still, his shortcomings athletically, defensively and as a scorer make him less than a sure thing. He could go anywhere from mid-lotto to early 20s. NBA Comparison Mark Jackson |
| 21. |  |
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Terrence Jones 6-9 252 SF/PF Kentucky So. | The Celtics should have a couple of very solid players fall to them. T-Jones has top 10 talent but struggled with consistency and focus. He has had a few games, Indiana for instance, that have left scouts scratching their heads. Jones seems to play with a chip on his shoulder and a scowl on his face. He has the versatility to play either forward position and an aggressive rebounder. But the drawback is that he isn't a natural fit at either position. While lacking great shooting mechanics, he is an effective scorer attacking the basket as well as from the perimeter. NBA Comparison: Marvin Williams |
| 22. | |
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Royce White 6-8 261 SF/PF Iowa St. So. | Boston is said to be high on White, but it's uncertain if a promise was the true reason White shut down his workouts. Doron Lamb is another name linked to the Celtics. White has major talent but the concerns about his anxiety disorder are likely to drop him to the late first/early second round area. Scouts also question his shooting and ability to fit a position. He's a unique player as he's beast with great strength with the ability to handle and pass like a guard. The one big concern is his anxiety disorder that has prevented him from flying in the past. NBA Comparison: Anthony Mason |
| 23. |  |
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Jared Sullinger 6-9 268 PF Ohio St. So. | Sullinger could be one of the big sliders on draft night after NBA doctors red flagged his back. He began the year as a projected top 5 pick, but failed to show much progress in his sophomore season and doubts began to creep in scout's minds about his upside and dedication to staying in shape. He has an extremely polished post game having led the Buckeyes to the Final Four. Sullinger possesses arguably the most refined post game in college hoops, sporting advanced footwork and a great feel for his defender's positioning with his back to the basket. His weaknesses are clear, starting with his limited speed and athleticism at the power forward position. He had a rough sophomore year battling the injury bug. He was exposed some with his inability to get shots against long defenders such as Kansas' Jeff Withey. Regardless, he is effective down low both as a scorer and rebounder. NBA Comparison: Carlos Boozer |
| 24. | |
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Draymond Green 6-7 236 SF/PF Michigan St. Sr. | Sort of a homeless Magic Johnson, Green has incredible ball handling and passing for a 6'7 forward. Draymond lacks a true NBA position and won't wow anyone with his athleticism, but his intangibles and basketball IQ are off the charts. He measured extremely well with a very good standing reach. He finds ways to beat opponents with craftiness and desire. Not everyone is sold on Green, but he's one of those players that seems to find a way and should grab a spot somewhere in the 20s. NBA Comparison: Jared Dudley |
| 25. |  |
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Fab Melo 7-0 255 C Syracuse So. | If he can become focused, Melo could potentially be a solid compliment to Marc Gasol. Fab has potential, but may be a few years away from being a solid contributor. Melo intrigues scouts with his size, mobility and shot blocking ability. His offensive game is very raw, but at times he looked comfortable knocking down mid-range shots. Stands a good chance of grabbing a late first round spot. Fab intrigues scouts with his upside, but there are real concerns about his dedication and work ethic. NBA Comparison: Brendan Haywood |
| 26. |  |
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Evan Fournier 6-7 204 SG France 1992 | There is a lot of talk that Fournier will grab one of the late first round spots and Indiana is a team that is strongly considering taking him. While he's an under the rim type of player, he's considered a "natural" with an excellent feel for the game and the ability to create shots and pass. His shooting has been inconsistent but does show potential. With the ability to draft him and stash him in Europe for a few seasons, his value increases. We aren't completely sold on him, but as they say, all it takes is one team to like you. NBA Comparison: Marco Belinelli |
| 27. |  |
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Will Barton 6-6 174 SG/SF Memphis So. | The Heat are one of a few teams in the late first round that like Will Barton While some scouts aren't sold on him, the scrappy Barton has been on the move lately according to GMs and scouts. He's a high energy/effort player with an unorthodox, yet effective game. His ability to create shots and hit the boards brings an element to the table that many other SG prospects are not able to match. Barton is one of the most competitive prospects in the draft. NBA Comparison: Doug West |
| 28. |  |
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Doron Lamb 6-4 199 SG Kentucky So. | OKC could go in a number of directions but Lamb adds versatility to their back court. Lamb's overall skill set was not fully utilized playing on such a loaded team, and it will likely make him a steal on draft night. He was arguably UK's most consistent performer this season, and stepped up in the tournament. Every time the team needed a big basket, Lamb answered the call. He's a clutch performer, has underrated PG ability and is an excellent teammate. Finding a niche at the next level should be his primary focus, with "lights out shooting combo-guard" a realistic role to think about. Lamb has dropped according to teams due to a lackluster showing at the combine and subpar workouts and may ultimately end up in the second round. NBA Comparison: Cuttino Mobley |
| 29. |  |
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Quincy Miller 6-10 219 SF Baylor Fr. | The Bulls could use some depth on the wing and local product Quincy Miller could fall this far. Q was once considered a top 5 player in a very strong high school class before tearing his ACL. He then looked like a shadow of his former self athletically as a freshman at Baylor. He's got a huge wingspan and the ability to knock down mid range jumpshots. If his knee checks out completely in physicals, look for him to grab a spot in the 20s. NBA Comparison: Austin Daye |
| 30. | |
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Jeffery Taylor 6-7 213 SF Vanderbilt Jr. | After landing Barnes with their 7th pick, Taylor would further bolster the Warrior's SF position. Taylor's defensive ability is what teams are most intrigued with. Taylor grew up in Sweden as the son of a pro player. His feel for the game has been a work in progress but he really turned the corner in his senior season. Jeff raised his stock considerably with more consistent play, particularly down the stretch. He's established more consistency shooting.. He's got NBA athleticism with above average explosiveness and shows a willingness to be coached and improve his game. NBA Comparison: Thabo Sefolosha |
